Particle swarm optimization with an aging leader and challengers algorithm for optimal power flow problem with FACTS devices

Optimal power flow (OPF) problem is an optimization tool through which secure and economic operating conditions of power system is obtained. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) with an aging leader and challengers (ALC-PSO) is applied for the solution of the OFF problem of power system equipped with flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS). The two FACTS devices, namely, thyristor controlled series capacitor and thyristor controlled phase shifter are considered for this study. This study is implemented on modified IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 57-bus test power systems with four different objectives. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the potential of ALC-PSO algorithm and show its effectiveness for solving the OPF problem with FACTS devices over the other evolutionary optimization techniques surfaced in the recent state-of-the-art literature. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.